Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power Of Herbs

Medicinal herbs have been used for centuries to cure minor ailments and several are terrifically easy to grow. Here are a few useful, and beautiful favourites to harvest for homemade herbal remedies.

Herbs to grow for wellbeing

Camomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile makes a delicious tea, and works on the digestive system, which connects with the nervous system and has a calming effect.

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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This is a real stress buster – a sprig or two scrunched in your hands does much to calm nerves and boost a good mood – slip a few springs into your handbag on busy mornings. It's also antimicrobial and antiseptic. Lavender's antiseptic properties are so well-known that, in World War II, it was used to disinfect floors and walls in hospitals. In addition to the antiseptic properties, lavender is considered to be a relaxant, and is wonderful sipped as a soothing tea before bed. However, among medicinal herbs, lavender is also one that can sometimes cause small allergic reactions, so be careful with it and especially avoid ingesting this herb during pregnancy. Add to bathwater for a relaxing soak.

Lovage (Levisticum of officinale)

A striking foliage plant that reaches up to two metres high, lovage deserves to be grown more widely, and it is terrifically easy. The leaves have a strong celery taste, and can transform a salad. It reduces water retention, and so should be avoided by pregnant women or those with kidney problems.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Much used in the past to treat sore throats, this can be used internally or on the skin. Internally, this herb can treat sore throats, indigestion and help ease symptoms of depression. Externally, this herb can help treat skin infections.

Lemon balm (Melissa offficinalis)

Known for its ability to lift the spirits, lemon balm also has antiviral properties. Fresh or dried lemon balm makes an uplifting tea. You can also try a fragrant herbal bath with lemon balm and other calming herbs.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme clears a stuffy nose, soothes sore throats and has powerful antimicrobial properties. For sore-throat relief, make a tea of thyme and sage. Let it cool, then gargle several times daily. For colds and blocked noses, boil enough water to fill a small pan or bowl and add a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Sit at a table, place a towel over your head, and breathe in the vapors for a few minutes. To alleviate stress or soothe a stomach, try a simple tea. It's also delicious combined with lemon balm and a bit of peppermint. Safety note: Pregnant women should avoid using thyme medicinally.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

This soothes indigestion and has mild stimulating and cooling properties. For stomach aches or flatulence, try a cup of peppermint tea. Chilled mint tea makes a cooling body spray or a refreshing foot soak for hot days. Peppermint also has antiseptic properties and can act as a muscle relaxant when applied to the skin; in Greek times, athletes rubbed peppermint on sore muscles.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow leaves have a history as a first-aid remedy. The long green leaves can be applied directly to minor cuts to stop bleeding. For colds and flus, try a tea with equal parts yarrow, elder flower and peppermint, adding honey. Safety note: Pregnant women should avoid using yarrow internally.

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How to harvest echinacea

For medicinal purposes, you can harvest echinacea's roots and flower tops. To harvest roots, lift plants in autumn to avoid damage, then cut o a portion of the root, leaving plenty for the plant to grow on. Cut into 1in pieces, wash, and then dry in dry, warm place. Then store in a tightly covered glass jar in a cool, dark place. To harvest flowertops, using a sharp knife, cut the flower from the plant where the first healthy leaves are growing, and then dry them as above. Store them in glass jars with tight fitting lids in a cool, dry place.